Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has apologised for his recent comment threatening to “flog” people who refuse to support the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Buba also withdrew the remark, which generated public criticism after a video of his speech at an empowerment programme in Maiduguri circulated widely.
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the commissioner said his statement was not intended to infringe on the rights of Borno residents to freely choose their political affiliations.
He said the comment had been made during an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement but acknowledged that it had caused concern among members of the public.
“I wish to state, unequivocally, that my remark was never intended to harm or violate the fundamental rights of the people of our dear state to freedom of choice and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
Buba had earlier been quoted in the viral video as saying that those who supported the government would benefit from its programmes, while those who opposed it would face consequences.
“Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger. Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger.”
He also said, “The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”
Following the reaction generated by the statement, Buba said he had previously explained that his words were not meant to be interpreted literally.
However, he formally retracted the statement and apologised to Borno residents and others who may have been offended.
“In view of the concern it has continued to generate, I am using this medium to retract my earlier statement formally and to apologise to the entire people of Borno State and beyond for any offence it may have caused.”
The commissioner further distanced his comments from the position of the APC and the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum.
“Let me state in categorical terms that my comment does not in any way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.”
Buba said the state government had remained committed to respecting the rights of citizens, regardless of their political choices.
He maintained that the APC and the Zulum administration had demonstrated commitment to democratic values throughout the governor’s tenure.
“Rather, the party and the administration continue to uphold and respect every segment of our society, particularly our youth, who have remained steadfast supporters of both the party and the Zulum administration.”
He added that the government’s commitment to democratic principles would remain unchanged for the remainder of Zulum’s tenure.
